IAG members are representative of the diverse range of communities, faiths, cultures, businesses, venues and organisations across Avon and Somerset.
Our members bring a huge amount of different life experiences and perspectives. This helps Avon and Somerset Police’s officers and staff better understand the challenges, concerns and issues faced in the communities they serve. In turn, this can make police policies, strategies and action more effective and informed.
At the same time, IAG members take learning, information and expertise back into the communities they represent, helping to build trust, understanding and confidence in policing.
Who you are
We want to hear from people from a variety of different backgrounds, gender, disability, age, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Lived experience of all kinds is invaluable for our IAGs, particularly if you have encountered policing or the justice system in any way, at any time.
Most importantly, you will have a desire to improve community relations with, and confidence in, the police. You will also want to work with other members, experts and police officers and staff to make sure our region receives the best possible standard of policing.
“Being part of the IAG has been a rewarding experience. It feels great to know that our feedback is valued and that we are making a difference in our community.”
– Susan, IAG member
What is expected from IAG members?
Our IAGs meet at least four times a year. Meetings are either face-to-face or online, via Microsoft Teams. Face-to-face meetings usually have an online link for members who can’t attend physically, but still want to take part.
In addition to meetings, volunteers may be invited to observe training or offer their views on matters that specifically relate to their particular community, skills, expertise or IAG specialism. There may also be opportunities to observe police training, exercises and their daily work.
There is a strict code of ethics and we work hard to ensure IAGs are safe places to discuss important, and sometimes difficult or emotional, issues.
The Code of Ethics
The IAG Code of Ethics are based on the principles and standards of behaviour set for everyone involved in policing – whether permanent, temporary, contractor, consultant or volunteer.
This is a way of making sure that what people believe in and aspire to, matches what they do and how they behave – in this case, as an IAG member.
Main principles:
- Accountability – you are answerable for your decisions, actions and omissions
- Fairness – you treat people fairly
- Honesty – you are truthful and trustworthy Integrity you always do the right thing Leadership you lead by good example
- Objectivity – you make choices on evidence and your best professional judgement
- Openness – you are open and transparent in your actions and decisions
- Respect – you treat everyone with respect
- Selflessness – you act in the public interest
Standards of professional behaviour:
- honesty and integrity
- respect, courtesy and an understanding that you are in a position of influence and authority
- respecting equality and diversity
- you understand your duties and responsibilities
- maintaining confidentiality
- challenging and reporting improper behaviour
Security and confidentiality
The Avon and Somerset IAG network has a policy of not screening or vetting our members in any way. The only exception is the Counter Terrorism IAG, where limited screening may be required.
All IAG members attending IAG meetings held at Police premises will be asked to sign in as a visitor and be escorted when they are on site.
IAG members are expected to abide by the Terms of Reference for their IAG and the main principles and standards of behaviour.
Generally, topics discussed in meetings can be shared externally by members. However, there may be occasions where subject matter, documents or specific information might be stated as confidential and members must respect this.
Media contact
It is possible that IAG members might be contacted by the media, or other external organisations, to talk about the work of IAG or Police. If this happens, members should consider the following:
- you are entitled to comment as individuals on any issue you feel is appropriate
- if you wish to make a comment in your role as an IAG member, you should consult your IAG Chair and Police Co-ordinator for agreement
- there will be times or topics where it is not appropriate for you to offer comment. For example, where a court case or an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation is ongoing, or instances where commenting may impact on police operations or activity
Avon and Somerset Police’s Corporate Communications Department is available to advise and support IAG members in commenting to the media. Call 101 and ask for the Duty Media Officer. Where possible, contact during office hours is preferred.
How to become a member
You will need to successfully complete the following steps before becoming a IAG member.
Stage 1 – Application
To apply to become an IAG member, you must complete both:
Be sure to include in your application the name of the IAG you are interested in joining.
The Strategic IAG is not open to new applicants and specialist IAGs are only open to applicants that meet the requirements of the specific Group.
Email your completed forms to StrategicIAG@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Stage 2 – Review and discussion
Your application will be reviewed by the IAG Chair and IAG Police Coordinator, who will discuss your suitability as a member, review current membership levels.
In some cases, you may be invited to meet the Chair and Co-ordinator to discuss your application in more detail, particularly for the specialist IAGs. This will be an informal discussion, rather than a formal interview.
Discussion points may explore:
- why you want to join and what interest you have in policing
- what communities you represent and how would represent them in your IAG role
- how you would communicate and engage with your community regarding IAG issues
The discussion should also explore whether they can offer the necessary time to participate in IAG activities. This involves at least four meetings a year, along with the need to read materials beforehand.
There may also be activities and opportunities between IAG meetings – such as offering advice in response to a critical incident or observing operational training exercises – which will require additional time.
Stage 3 – Membership offer and joining
Once your application has been reviewed, the IAG Chair will contact you with their decision. In most cases, we are delighted to welcome new Members. However, occasionally Chairs may suggest an alternative, more appropriate IAG to join and will pass your details on.
Very rarely, the Chair and Police Co-ordinator may not agree or decide you are not suitable for IAG membership. If you are unsuccessful and want to appeal, this would be a matter for the Strategic IAG Chair and Assistant Chief Constable to consider.
If you are successful, you will be contact by the IAG administration team who will provide you with the Terms of Reference, ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement and list the dates of future meetings.
From then on, you are a member of the Avon and Somerset IAG network and you can expect a warm welcome from your fellow IAG members at the next meeting
IAG Chair and Vice Chair
Chairs and Vice Chairs for each IAG are elected by their members. As you become more familiar with your IAG and the way meetings are run, there may be an opportunity to take on one of these roles. This will require more time and commitment, but can be extremely rewarding.